People love to eat out and prefer going to restaurants when there are special occasions and celebrations. When choosing the best restaurant, the essential factors include great-tasting foods and excellent customer service. However, in 2020, the hospitality industry suffered from major consequences due to the pandemic.

As a result, dining in is not encouraged to reduce personal contact. From there, drive-through became the new trend as many restaurants switched to this approach in order to keep their operations protected and free from COVID-19.

With the continuous easing of quarantine measures, some restaurants have now allowed dine-in but under certain restrictions. A restaurant can accommodate 50% capacity, tables are meters apart, and only two guests per table are allowed. Despite last year’s challenges, industry experts were able to come up with a list of the best restaurants in 2020.

List of Best Asian-based Restaurants in 2020

From traditional Asian cuisine to modern-day fusion dishes, this article will serve you Asia’s best restaurants in 2020.

Odette, Singapore

A French restaurant based in St. Andrew’s Road, Singapore. Guided by Chef Julien Royer, this restaurant along St. Andrew’s Road in Singapore serves modern French cuisines paired with exquisite wines.

Chef-owner Julien Royer used the name Odette for his restaurant as a tribute to his Grand-Mère who taught him the importance of using pure ingredients to create remarkable dishes.

Odette’s menu includes seafood dishes such as Mackerel Tartare, Scottish Scallop, Smoked Eel, and many more. While pastries are made available upon request, you can order their signature dessert Odette’s Jaffa cake, Banana souffle, and a selection of cheese including those from the British Isles.

The Chairman, Hong Kong

Tagged as one of the most popular and influential restaurants because of its “eight culinary classical styles” of China, this Cantonese restaurant serves Razor Clams, Smoked Baby Pigeon, and Wild Clams. However, they do not offer shark fins, sea cucumber, and bird’s nests because they focus on serving more interesting and eco-friendly dishes.

The Chairman is in Central Hong Kong and is open daily from 12 PM to 11 PM.

Den, Japan

The Tokyo-based restaurant proudly offers homemade dishes that bring warmth to diners. Food starts from 17,000 JPY/per person ($161 USD) plus 10% for tax and another 10% for service charge.

Owned by Zaiyu Hasegawa, the high-end Japanese restaurant offers mushroom stuffed ‘Dentucky Fried Chicken’, foie gras wafer sandwiches, and salads with grinning emoji carrot slices. They are known to serve elegant and artistic meals as part of the Japanese culinary tradition.

Belon, Hong Kong

Belon is a neo-Parisian bistro nestled in SoHo, the entertainment district of Hong Kong. It features a dynamic French cuisine originated from Paris. They offer a complete menu from appetizers, platters, and desserts.

Belon also serves a special menu called Weekend Lunch, which includes oyster tartare, Saucisson De Bigorre (sausage with aromas of dried fruits), roasted chicken, salad, and many more.

Burnt Ends, Singapore

The grill and bar restaurant is located in Teck Lim Road, Singapore. Burnt Ends menu includes smoked quail egg and caviar, Duck Hearts and Peri Peri, Chicken Wings and Eel Glaze, and more. Their signature meals are Burnt Ends’ sourdough and Burnt Ends Sanger.

The restaurant’s concept features different table settings according to your reservation. They have the Chef table that can fit five to eight persons; Counter Seats, where diners are positioned in a side-by-side row near the kitchen; Bar Seats with high tables that are located far from the kitchen; and, the Private Room that can accommodate a maximum of eight persons.

Bondi&Bourke, Philippines

With three branches located in the Philippines, Bondi & Bourke allows diners to enjoy its flavorful dishes. Aside from its branches in Bonifacio Global City and Makati in Metro Manila, the Philippines’ capital, you can also find Bondi & Bourke in Davao, a bustling city down the country’s southern region.

The food here is inspired by modern Australian cuisine and is concocted by award-winning chef Wade Watson. The restaurant is open for business meetings, intimate dinner, corporate lunch, and many more.

The must-try delectable dishes from Bondi & Bourke are grilled kebabs, charcuterie, and classic chicken parma.

Le Du, Thailand

Le Du is a Thai word meaning “season,”, which represents their culinary creations that are seasonally produced. The enchanting modern Thai restaurant specializes in recipes from the country’s agricultural products. Using modern cooking techniques, Le Du boasts a six-course tasting menu that includes wild seabass, crab, grouper fish, river prawn, chicken/beef/pork, and dessert.

A Thai restaurant in Hong Kong serving recipes from Thailand’s Isaan region. Chachawan serves unique Isaan- style dishes bursting with flavors paired with Asian-inspired cocktails.

Le Du is open daily from 12 PM to 10:30 PM and is in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong.

TocToc, South Korea

The term “toc toc” is derived from the French expression “knock-knock” which means to open up. According to the restaurant’s website, the main goal of the chef is to encourage the public to explore more about fine cuisine.

Located in the city of Seoul, Toc Toc features a Masstige dining concept where everyone can experience “premium but attainable” foods. Moreover, TocToc offers two tasting menus called “The Signature of Tocnomy” and you can check them out here.

Chachawan, Hong Kong

A Thai restaurant in Hong Kong serving recipes from Thailand’s Isaan region. They serve unique Isaan-style dishes bursting with flavors paired with Asian-inspired cocktails.

Chachawan is open daily from 12nn to 10:30 pm and is located in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong.

Dim Tu Tac, Vietnam

Based in Ho Chi Minh City, Dim Tu Tac serves traditional Cantonese foods with fresh flavors and unique blends. The restaurant’s contemporary menu includes dim sums, barbecues, main dishes with specialties for vegetarians, desserts, and teas.